Recycling mobile phones in Queenscliff

BROKEN and old mobile phones can now be recycled in the Borough of Queenscliffe with the introduction of MobileMuster.

All mobile phone brands, their chargers and accessories can be dropped off at collection points across Queenscliff where 95 per cent of its materials can be recovered.

Recycling mobile phones reduces the need to use raw materials, prevents pollution and minuses hazardous waste ending up in landfill.

A spokesperson for the Borough said independent research had shown there were about 26 million unused phones in Australia, of which only four million were unusable.

“If we recycled these phones, we would make a significant positive environmental impact.

“Our Climate Emergency Response Plan includes actions addressing consumption and waste, and this initiative actively assists us to address these issues in the Borough.”

Once the phones have been collected, they are taken to a recycling facility, dismantled and separated into categories.

The materials are then used to manufacture new products including mobile phones, glass bottles, stainless-steel products and more.

MobileMuster is a not-for-profit recycling program and a global leader in e-waste recycling.

“In July 2019, the Victorian Government banned electronic waste (e-waste), that is any item with a plug, cord or battery, from landfill,” the Borough spokesperson said.

“Since the ban, any e-waste, including mobile phones and accessories, cannot go in any household general rubbish (red lidded) bin or recycling (yellow lidded) bin and must be taken to a drop-off point.

“MobileMuster makes it convenient for the community to dispose of their unwanted phones.”

The recycling company does not accept loose mobile phone batteries, ipads and tablets or computers, laptops and TVs, these items will need to be taken to the Drysdale Resource and Recovery Centre.

Those dropping their phones off are encouraged to delete or transfer all their data beforehand and any data left of the phone will be destroyed.

Mobile phones can be taken to the council office and Wirrng Wirrng in Queenscliff to be recycled using MobileMuster.

For more information, head to queenscliffe.vic.gov.au